Written answers

Wednesday, 9 December 2020

Photo of Neale RichmondNeale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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223. To ask the Minister for Health if cystic fibrosis patients will be given priority access to a Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42399/20]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional priority list of groups for vaccination once a safe and effective vaccine(s) has received authorisation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and Department of Health, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.

The Allocation Framework was developed to consider how to prioritise different groups. It is based on (1) ethical principles and (2) epidemiological considerations, and takes account of the current and evolving understanding of distinctive characteristics of COVID-19 disease, its modes of transmission, the groups and individuals most susceptible to infection and the characteristics of the candidate vaccines. The primary aim of the allocation strategy is focus on the prevention of sickness and mortality, and to preserve the health of people, by prioritising those at highest risk. 

The Strategy is a further component to the State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will evolve and adapt with more detailed information on the vaccines and their effectiveness. 

Further information on the Strategy can be found at:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.

Photo of Neale RichmondNeale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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224. To ask the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to making the wearing of face coverings compulsory in gyms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42401/20]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, the evidence relating to Covid-19, and the decisions necessary to protect everybody living in Ireland from its effects is constantly evolving. The public health advice relating to Covid-19, including for face coverings, is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), by my Department and by the Government. The measures in place and the public health advice have been adapted to the changing circumstances and this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future. 

As the Deputy is no doubt aware, a person, without reasonable excuse, must wear a face covering when using public transport, in retail outlets, shops and shopping centres, in other indoor spaces such as libraries, cinemas and cinema complexes, theatres, concert halls, bingo halls, museums, businesses carrying out cosmetic nail care or nail styling, hair care or hair styling, tattoo and piercing services, travel agents and tour operators, laundries and dry cleaners and licensed bookmakers. Face coverings are also recommended in situations where physical distancing may not be possible, in crowded workplaces, places of worship and in busy or crowded outdoor spaces where there is significant congregation.  Additionally, facemasks should be worn in restaurants and cafes (including pubs that serve food and hotel restaurants.

Wearing of face coverings is also recommended in the following circumstances, by people visiting the homes of those who are over 70 years of age or who are medically vulnerable by people who are being visited in their homes by those who are over 70 years of age who are medically vulnerable and if you are travelling in a vehicle with someone you don't live with.  

The relevant regulations in relation to face coverings are outlined below and can be viewed at.

- Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid19) (Face Coverings on Public Transport) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 512/2020)

- Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid19) (Face Coverings in certain premises and businesses) Regulations 2020 (S.I No. 511/2020)

- Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (Face Coverings in Small Public Service Vehicles and Certain Premises) Regulations 2020 S.I. (No. 569 of 2020)

- Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (Face Coverings in Certain Premises and Businesses) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 571 of 2020)  

The current face covering advice is available at

- .

- http://www.gov.ie/facecoverings. 

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